Kendyl Daugherty Richards is Executive Director of Austin Smiles and co-coordinator of The Patients’ Assistance Fund. Mrs. Richards is a native of Austin and has been the executive director for Austin Smiles for nearly ten years (since February 1996). She is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelors Degree in Journalism specializing in Public Relations. She has conducted statewide political campaigns in the late 70s, produced the Macy’s Parade with NBC in the mid 80s and had her own special events company in the late 80s. As director of Austin Smiles, Mrs. Richards writes all the grant applications, is in charge of all the financials for the agency, coordinates and sits on the Patients Assistance Fund, administers all funds (both payables and receivables), coordinates all the medical mission trips and administers all board functions.

Mrs. Richards is an avid community volunteer including serving on the boards of The Junior League of Austin, The Women’s Symphony League, and The Junior Austin Woman’s Club. She also works with abused children at The Helping Hand Home for Children in Austin. She is married and has two girls. 

 

Lauren Price has spent most of her life in Austin. After graduating from McCallum high school, she attended the University of Texas, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education. Lauren taught for several years at O. Henry Middle School. After retiring from teaching, she has continued working with children and is currently childcare coordinator at Tarrytown United Methodist Church. She has long history of participation with various charitable and service organizations. Lauren and her husband, Derrick, have been blessed with two boys, Braeden (3) and Owen (1). Lauren became aware of Austin Smiles when she had the opportunity to attend one of the trips to El Salvador in the mid 90's. Since then, she has always wanted to be a part of the organization.

 

Lara George Tucker has been the development associate for Austin  Smiles since 2008. Previously, she was with the Texas Democracy Foundation and remains interested in social justice issues. She is a graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia, PA. Lara and her husband enjoy traveling and cycling.